Solid dose feeder and operating method thereof

ABSTRACT

A solid dose feeder comprising: a plate member surface having a solid dose retaining portion capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses in an array of rows; a solid dose portion and configured, in use, to dispense a row of solid doses into a plurality of receptacles; and a gate disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion, the gate being provided with a plurality of gate channels therein and being moveable between a loading position wherein the gate is positioned to receive a row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion into the gate channels and a discharging position wherein the gate is positioned to discharge the received row of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to pharmaceutical packaging and especially, but not exclusively, blister packaging systems and solid dose feeders therefor.

BACKGROUND

Blister packs are used for packaging pharmaceuticals, in particular solid dose pharmaceuticals, such as tablets, capsules, caplets, and so forth. A blister pack can be formed from a web of material containing a plurality of receptacles, each configured to receive a single dose pharmaceutical and a closure film. As part of the blister pack manufacturing process, a moving web of material containing the plurality of receptacles travels past a feeder for dispensing and/or distributing a plurality of solid dosage forms to ensure that each receptacle in the moving web receives a single dose.

Solid dose feeders, such as tablet feeders may take several forms. Many may is be subject to occasional blockages, leading to failure to fill each receptacle in the moving web of material with a tablet or, alternatively, dispensing an excess number of tablets into the receptacles.

One known form of tablet feeder is a ‘flood feeder’ which dispenses a larger number of tablets to the moving web of material than the number of receptacles contained therein. The flood feeder then uses paddles or brushes to remove excess tablets that have not been received in any receptacles. This method and device is unsuitable for cold form (base foil) blister packs, because the receptacles pressed into the base foil can be large enough to hold more than one tablet. Overfilling can then lead to subsequent problems, such as with blister packs that use print registration to align a closure film (in the form of a lidding foil) with the receptacle.

Finger release plate feeding is a method of controlled release solid dose feeding. This method delivers tablets via a feeding plate and has fingers which move back and forth according to an electronic and/or pneumatic timing sequence to release an individual tablet into a designated receptacle. This method is used for cold form (base foil) blister packs, although it may also be suitable for manufacture of some PVC based blister packs.

The solid dose feeders employed for finger release plate feeding are difficult to set up, can contain up to 100 parts including fasteners, and are expensive to manufacture. The pneumatic timing can be also difficult to replicate consistently by operators. If there is a blockage or setup problem the feeders can often deliver more than one tablet to a receptacle or they can deliver additional tablets onto the web. At times, the blockages can cause one or two receptacles to remain empty, resulting in time consuming rework of the blister pack.

Gravity plate feeders rely on gravity to deliver tablets into receptacles through a channelled plate system using the web to control the release of the next tablet. These feeders are unsuitable for cold form blister packs as the pre-formed receptacles in the web material are too large to control the subsequent dose. This form of solid dose feeder is solely used for PVC base blister packs.

Simultaneous release plate feeders use a controlled release delivery method that fills an array of receptacles (i.e. multiple blisters) on a web of material with tablets simultaneously using multiple gates and chutes. These are suitable solid dose feeders for cold form (base foil) blister packs. However, they are costly to implement if the manufacturer is already using a different style of single dose feeder, and the individual sets of tooling for each blister pack can be cost prohibitive for manufacturers with a large portfolio of solid dosage forms and correspondingly configured blister packs.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the references form a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art, whether in Australia or elsewhere. The above references are also not intended to limit the unitary dose feeder and blister packaging system as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a solid dose feeder comprising:

-   -   a plate member surface having a solid dose retaining portion         capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses in an array of         rows;     -   a solid dose discharging portion spaced apart from the solid         dose retaining portion and configured, in use, to dispense a row         of solid doses into a plurality of receptacles; and     -   a gate disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the         solid dose discharging portion, the gate being provided with a         plurality of gate channels therein and being moveable between a         loading position wherein the gate is positioned to receive a row         of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion into the         gate channels and a discharging position wherein the gate is         positioned to discharge the received row of solid doses into the         solid dose discharging portion.

In one embodiment the solid dose retaining portion comprises a plurality of adjacent feed channels. The feed channels may be regularly spaced in parallel alignment across the surface.

In one embodiment the solid dose discharging portion comprises a plurality of adjacent discharge channels. In one form, the discharge channels are regularly spaced in parallel alignment across the surface.

In one embodiment a width of the feed and discharge channels is substantially the same.

In another embodiment the discharge channels are offset from longitudinal alignment with the feed channels. The discharge channels may be offset by a distance from about 10% to about 40% of the width of the discharge or feed channels.

In one embodiment, the plate member comprises a recess transversely disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion. The recess is arranged to receive therein the gate in a manner whereby the gate is able to be moved transversely across the plate.

In one embodiment the gate is suitably elongate and may include a plurality of adjacent gate channels. The gate channels may be regularly spaced therealong. The gate channels may be in mutually parallel alignment. A width of the gate channels may be substantially the same as the width of the channels in the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion. The length of the channels may be from about 50% to up to 100% of the length of the solid dose.

The gate may receive said row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion, when the gate member is in the loading position, by receiving a single solid dose in each gate channel.

The gate may receive said row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion by receiving a single solid dose from each feed channel.

The gate may discharge the received row of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion, when the gate is in the discharging position, by discharging a single solid dose into each discharge channel.

In one embodiment, each end of the gate may be provided with a stop member. The stop members are configured to abut respective opposing sides of the plate member and thereby define the opposing limits of movement of the gate. In an embodiment, a first limit of movement of the gate within the recess corresponds to a loading position in which a row of solid doses in the feed channels can pass into the gate channels, and a second limit of movement of the gate within the recess corresponds to a discharging position in which a row of solid doses in the gate channels can pass into the discharge channels.

In one embodiment, the gate is configured for coupling to a drive which is arranged to act on the gate and cause it to reciprocate with respect to the surface whilst disposed between the solid dose retaining and discharging portions. The drive may be a solenoid or a pneumatic ram.

In one embodiment respective ends of the feed and/or discharge channels may be chamfered or include cut-outs to accommodate a solid dose form.

In another embodiment, there is provided a plurality of gates or gate portions associated with respective rows or groups of rows configured, in use, to dispense individual solid doses into selected receptacles. The receptacles may be provided in a web of material. Such an embodiment may be suited to stock keeping units (SKUs)

In a further embodiment, the solid dose feeder includes a plurality of plate members and associated plurality of gates configured, in use, to dispense an array of solid dosage forms into a corresponding matrix of receptacles, suitably in a single discharge step. The matrix of receptacles may be comprised by a sheet of packaging material, such as for a blister package.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a solid dose feeder comprising:

-   -   a solid dose retaining portion capable of retaining a plurality         of solid doses;     -   a solid dose discharging portion; and     -   a gate member disposed between the solid dose retaining portion         and the solid dose discharging portion, the gate member at least         partially defining a gating space at least partially therein,         the gate member being moveable between a loading position         wherein the gate member is positioned to receive a single solid         dose from the solid dose retaining portion into the gating         space, and a discharging position wherein the gate member is         positioned to discharge a single solid dose from the gating         space into the solid dose discharging portion;     -   wherein the gating space is dimensioned and arranged relative to         the solid dose retaining portion such that when the gate member         is in the loading position with a single solid dose in the         gating space, said single solid dose in the gating space         prevents entry of any further solid dose into the gating space;         and     -   wherein when the gate member is in the discharging position the         gating space is positioned to prevent receipt of a solid dose by         the gate member from the solid dose retaining portion.

In an embodiment the solid dose retaining portion comprises a feed channel.

In an embodiment the solid dose discharging portion comprises a discharge channel

In an embodiment the width of the feed and discharge channels is substantially the same.

In an embodiment the discharge channel is offset from longitudinal alignment with the feed channel.

In an embodiment the discharge channel is offset by a distance from about 10% to about 40% of the width of the discharge or feed channel.

In an embodiment, the gate member is disposed in a gate member space provided between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion.

In an embodiment, the gate member is rotatable between the loading position and the discharging position.

In an embodiment, the gate member is moveable linearly between the loading position and the discharging position.

In an embodiment, the gate member is moveable so as to reciprocate between the loading position and the discharging position.

In an embodiment the gating space comprises a gate channel provided in the gate member.

The width of the gate channel may be substantially the same as the width of the channels in the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion, respectively.

The length of the gate channel may be from about 50% to up to 100% of the length of the solid dose.

In an embodiment when the gate member is in the loading position with a single solid dose in the gating space, said single solid dose in the gating space extends beyond the gate member in the direction of the solid dose retaining portion. This can assist in preventing entry of any further solid dose into the gating space. In an embodiment an end of the feed channel adjacent the gate member solid dose retaining portion therefore comprises part of the gating space when the gate member is in the loading position.

In an embodiment, the solid dose feeder comprises a stop portion to prevent a solid dose exiting the gating space when the gate member is in the loading position.

In an embodiment the stop portion is not movable relative to the discharging portion.

In an embodiment the stop portion is part of the discharging portion.

In an embodiment the stop portion is provided in an upper part of the discharge channel.

Thus, in such an embodiment, when the gate member is in the loading position with a single solid dose in the gating space, said single solid dose in the gating space extends beyond the gate member in the direction of the solid dose discharging portion. This can assist in discharge of the solid dose into the solid dose discharging portion when the gate member moves to the discharging position. However the said single solid dose in the gating space is not able to be discharged into the solid dose discharging portion when the gate member is in the loading position, since this is prevented by the stop portion. In an embodiment an end of the discharging channel adjacent the gate member therefore comprises part of the gating space when the gate member is in the loading position.

In an embodiment, the gate member may be provided with one or more stop members which define opposing limits of movement of the gate member. Suitably, a first limit of movement of the gate member corresponds to the loading position, and a second limit of movement of the gate member corresponds to the discharging position.

In an embodiment, the gate member is configured for coupling to a drive which is arranged to act on the gate member and cause it to move between the loading position and the discharging position. The drive may, for example, comprise a solenoid or a pneumatic ram.

In an embodiment respective ends of the feed and/or discharge channels may be chamfered or include cut-outs to accommodate a solid dose form.

In an embodiment a solid dose feeder in accordance with the second aspect may comprise one or more gate members arranged so that a single solid dose can be received from each of a plurality of feed channels provided in the solid dose retaining portion, and the solid doses then discharged into respective discharging channels in the solid dose discharging portion.

In an embodiment a single gate member at least partially defines a plurality of gating spaces at least partially therein Thus a single gate member may receive a plurality of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion by receiving a single solid dose from each feed channel.

The gate member may receive said plurality of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion by receiving a row of solid doses.

The gate member may discharge the received plurality of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion, when the gate member is in the discharging position, by discharging a single solid dose into each of a plurality of discharge channels provided in the solid dose discharging portion.

Thus a plurality of single doses may be discharged, to a corresponding plurality of discharge channels, using a single gate member.

In another embodiment there is provided a plurality of gate members each associated with a feed channel or a group of feed channels. This may provide enhanced flexibility in delivering single solid doses to desired positions such as, for example, a matrix of receptacles, which may be provided in a web of material. Such an embodiment may be suited to stock keeping units (SKUs).

In an embodiment the solid dose feeder is a plate feeder.

In an embodiment, the solid dose feeder comprises a plate member and one or more gate members configured, in use, to dispense an array of solid dosage forms into a corresponding matrix of receptacles, suitably in a single discharge step. The matrix of receptacles may be comprised by a sheet of packaging material, such as for a blister package.

In an embodiment, the solid dose feeder includes a plurality of plate members and associated plurality of gate members configured, in use, to dispense an array of solid dosage forms into a corresponding matrix of receptacles, suitably in a single discharge step. The matrix of receptacles may be comprised by a sheet of packaging material, such as for a blister package.

It will be appreciated that a dose feeder in accordance with one of the first and second aspects may include features of embodiments set out above in relation to the other of the first and second aspects.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a solid dose feeder comprising a channel discontinuity device adapted to selectively render at least one feed channel discontinuous such that, in use, dispensing of at least one solid dose from the at least one feed channel is controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel discontinuity device provides one or more of temporal control of solid dose dispensing, size control of solid dose dispensed, location control of a location of solid dose dispensing, and/or a predetermined spatial configuration control in which solid doses are dispensed.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blister packaging system for solid dose pharmaceuticals comprising a solid dose feeder in accordance with at least one of the aspects recited above. The system may further include a web conveyor system operating in concert with the solid dose feeder, whereby the doses are discharged into receptacles in a web of packaging material.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of operating a solid dose feeder in accordance with the at least one of the aspects recited above, the operating method comprising:

-   -   arranging the gate in a first position wherein at least one         solid dose in the solid dose retaining portion is able to be         disposed with respect to the gate; and     -   moving the gate from the first to a second position wherein the         at least one solid dose is able to be disposed with respect to         the solid dose discharging portion for discharge from the solid         dose feeder.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a precedent step of providing an elongate gate which includes a plurality of adjacent gate channels, regularly spaced along the gate in substantially parallel alignment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of feeding solid doses into receptacles comprising:

(a) arranging a plurality of solid doses in a single file line of solid doses;

(b) separating a solid dose from the single file line of solid doses by receiving said one solid dose in a gate channel provided in a gate member while preventing receipt of any further solid doses of the single file line into said gate channel;

(c) allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel;

(d) guiding the solid dose into a receptacle; and

(e) repeating steps (b) to (d) to feed subsequent solid doses into subsequent receptacles.

In an embodiment the step of allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel comprises allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel while preventing receipt of any further solid doses of the single file line into said gate channel;

In an embodiment the step of allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel comprises moving the gate member to allow the solid dose to exit the gate channel into a discharge channel of a solid dose feeder.

According to a still further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a solid dose feeder comprising:

-   -   a plate member surface having a solid dose retaining portion         capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses in an array of         rows and a solid dose discharging portion spaced apart from the         solid dose retaining portion and configured, in use, to dispense         a row of solid doses into a plurality of receptacles; and     -   a gate disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the         solid dose discharging portion, the gate being moveable between         a loading position wherein the gate is positioned to receive a         row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion and a         discharging position wherein the gate is positioned to discharge         the received row of solid doses into the solid dose discharging         portion.

Preferred embodiments disclosed can consistently deliver a single solid dose to each receptacle in the web material. This preferably avoids the problem of inadvertent delivery of more than one solid dose to a receptacle.

Moreover, in some embodiments, if one or more channels becomes blocked, the gate member will stall, thereby inhibiting delivery of solid doses from the remaining unblocked channels in the solid dose feeder. This applies especially, but not exclusively, to embodiments in which a single gate member receives solid doses from a plurality of feed channels and/or discharges solid doses into a plurality of feed channels. Failure to deliver solid doses from the remaining unblocked channels is advantageous from a processing perspective—the blister packaging system may be programmed to recognise unfilled base web material and return it for filling, rather than the alternative circumstance where a partly filled blister package would be produced to thereby requiring rework.

A further advantage of some embodiments of the disclosure is that the solid dose feeder can be retrofitted to existing blister or like packaging systems, or to existing plate feeders, without requiring major modifications.

A further advantage of some embodiments of the disclosure is that the solid is dose feeder is simple in construction compared to at least some known solid dose feeders. Some embodiments include only a single gate member which may be the only moving part in the vicinity of the solid doses, so that complex internal mechanics can be avoided,

A further advantage of some embodiments of the disclosure is that the solid dose feeder is simple in operation since the gate member may operate by being reciprocated, or in some embodiments rotated, between two positions. In some embodiments the two positions may be effectively set by stops, suitably positioned in the solid dose feeder.

A further advantage of some embodiments of the disclosure is that the solid dose feeder is robust in use, especially, but not exclusively, when the single gate member is in the form of a single metal bar or rod with gate channels provided therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solid dose feeder in accordance with one specific embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a plate member of the solid dose feeder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plate member of the solid dose feeder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a gate member of the solid dose feeder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gate member of the solid dose feeder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the solid dose feeder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of detail “A” indicated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a solid dose feeder in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are internal views of the solid dose feeder show in FIG. 8, illustrating operation thereof;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a solid dose feeder in accordance with a further embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the solid dose feeder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the solid dose feeder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the solid dose feeder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a solid dose feeder in accordance with a still further embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of detail “A” indicated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the solid dose feeder of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are enlarged sectional partial side views of the solid dose feeder, on centre line “B-B” indicated in FIG. 16, illustrating operation thereof; and

FIG. 18 is an end view of the solid dose feeder of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The description broadly relates to a solid dose feeder adapted to dispense solid dose forms to a plurality of receptacles disposed, for example, in a web of material in a blister packaging system. In the drawings like numerals refer generally to like integers.

Solid dose pharmaceuticals may take the form of tablets, chewable tablets, caplets, capsules, and soft gelatine capsules as well as other solid forms. For clarity and simplicity the term “tablet” will often be used in the below description, but it should be appreciated that unless context dictates otherwise such use does not preclude application to the other forms of solid dose pharmaceutical. Tablets may have any one of a diverse range of shapes, including flat circular, biconvex circular, sphere, polygonal such as octagonal, rectangular, rhombus and so forth having flat or biconvex surfaces, oblong, hemispherical-ended cylindrical or oval shapes.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 to 7, there is shown one embodiment of a solid dose feeder in the form of a tablet feeder 10. The tablet feeder 10 includes a plate member 12, here in the form of a rectangular plate. An in-use upper surface 14 of plate 12 is bounded by opposing edges 16, an in-use upper edge portion 18 and an in-use lower edge portion 20. In the form as illustrated, the tablet feeder 10 also includes a cover plate 11 which may be fixed to the plate member 12 by a plurality of fasteners 13 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7. The cover plate 11 of the embodiment is translucent, allowing the surface features of the plate 12 to be seen.

The plate member 12 has a tablet retaining portion 22, a tablet discharging portion 24 and a partitioning portion or gate array 26 disposed therebetween. The tablet retaining portion 22 is defined by the opposing edges 16 and the upper edge portion 18 of the plate member 12. The tablet discharging portion 24 is disposed at an in-use lower end of the surface 14 of the plate 12. The partitioning portion 26 extends between the opposing sides 16 of the plate member 12 and is spaced from the in-use lower edge portion 20. In use, the partitioning portion or gate array 26 defines a discontinuity between the tablet retaining portion 22 and the tablet discharging portion 24 as will be described later.

The tablet retaining portion 22 is capable of retaining a plurality of tablets in an array of rows and columns. In this regard, the tablet retaining portion 22 comprises a plurality of adjacent feed channels 28, with each channel 28 having an in-use upper end 30 disposed at the in-use upper edge portion 18 of an in-use upper portion of surface 14 of plate 12, and an opposing in-use lower end 32 located adjacent to the partitioning portion 26.

In the form as illustrated, the feed channels 28 are regularly spaced in parallel alignment with and between the opposing sides 16 of the plate 12. It will be appreciated, however, that the feed channels 28 may be other than described above and illustrated. For example, the feed channels 28 may be disposed in a sinusoidal arrangement, a diagonal arrangement, or a divergent-convergent arrangement.

The width of the feed channels 28 provided in the surface 14 of plate 12 is substantially uniform. Further, the width of each channel 28 is generally constant along its length. The width of the channel 28 is suitably sized to allow a given tablet to travel unhindered along the channel 28 (e.g. under the influence of gravity) while at the same time accommodating a plurality of tablets in the channel 28 in a sequential order, one single tablet behind another. With respect to solid dosage forms with a length to width aspect ratio greater than 1, such as capsules, the width of the channel 28 may be sized to be marginally greater than the width of the dose in order to provide adequate clearance. In this way the width of the channel 28 can constrain the tablets into a sequential order with an ‘end-to-end’ arrangement.

In use, the plate member 12 may be inclined from the vertical, suitably at an angle of between 0° and 45°, such that the in-use upper face portion 18 is elevated with respect to the in-use lower edge portion 20. In this manner, the plate feeder 10 employs gravity to urge the rows of tablets retained in the tablet retaining portion 22 through the feed channels 28 towards the in-use lower edge portion 20 of the tablet feeder 10. Alternatively, the plate member 12 may be further inclined from the vertical and, for example, additionally be subject to a vibratory effect to cause the tablets to move through the channels 28 toward the partitioning portion 26. This may help overcome any slight channel blockage.

When the tablet retaining portion 22 is filled or partially filled with tablets, the channels 28 conform the tablets into an array of rows and columns, wherein the in-use lowermost row of tablets is disposed adjacent to the end 32 of the channel 28 and the partitioning portion 26.

The tablet discharging portion 24 also comprises a plurality of adjacent discharge channels 34, each discharge channel 34 having an in-use upper end 36 disposed adjacent to the partitioning portion 26 and an opposing in-use lower end 38 disposed at the in-use lower end 20 of the plate member 12. In the form as illustrated, the discharge channels 34 are also regularly spaced in parallel alignment with the opposing sides 16 of the plate member 12.

The width of the discharge channels 34 is substantially the same as the width of the feed channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22. In addition, the discharge channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24 are spaced apart from the feed channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22 by the partitioning portion 26. However, the discharge channels 34 of the embodiment are laterally offset from (e.g. from longitudinal alignment with) the feed channels 28 by a distance x. Distance x may be from about 10% to about 40% of the width of the channels 28, 34. This offset helps with the “gating” function of the partitioning portion 26 (as explained below).

Further, the length of the discharge channels 34 are sized to accommodate a single tablet, such that a single row of tablets can be accommodated in the adjacent channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24. As above, a single row of tablets located in the channels 34 can be discharged from the in-use lower edge 20 with the aid of gravity, vibration, etc.

In use, a single row of tablets can move into the discharge channels 34 by the “gating” operation of the partitioning portion 26. A moving web of material containing a plurality of receptacles (e.g. in a plurality of rows), and that has been positioned with respect to the tablet discharging portion 24 of the tablet feeder 10, can receive the tablets from the discharge channels 34. In this regard, one such receptacle row aligned at in-use lower ends 38 of the discharge channels 34 can receive the row of tablets into its receptacles, when the tablets are dispensed (i.e. exit) from the discharge channels 34.

For a given web, the discharge channels 34 are spaced at a distance from one another corresponding to the distance between receptacles in the web of material of the blister pack into which a row of tablets is discharged in use (or vice versa).

The partitioning portion 26 defines a spatial discontinuity between the tablet retaining portion 22 and the tablet discharging portion 24 of the plate member 12, whereby the tablet retaining portion 22 is spaced from the tablet discharging portion 24 by a distance y. Distance y may be from about 50% up to 100% of the length of the tablet. The partitioning portion 26 includes a recess 40 defined in the plate member 12, with the recess 40 extending transversely between opposing sides 16 thereof.

The partitioning portion 26 includes a gate member 42, and the recess 40 is configured to receive the gate member 42. The gate member 42 is therefore disposed is between the tablet retaining portion 22 and the tablet discharging portion 24. In use the gate member 42 is laterally slidable in the recess 40, relative to the surface 14 of plate 12.

The gate member 42 comprises an elongate member 44 having a distal end 46 and a proximal end 48. The elongate member 44 is castellated to define a plurality of adjacent gate channels 50 therein and along its length (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In the form as illustrated, the gate channels 50 are regularly spaced in parallel alignment. Further, the width of the gate channels 50 is substantially the same as the width of the feed or discharge channels 28, 34 in the tablet retaining portion 22 and the tablet discharging portion 24, respectively.

The distal end 46 is provided with an in-use depending stop member 52. The proximal end 48 is also provided with an in-use depending stop member 54. These opposing stop members delimit the extent of lateral back-and-forth sliding of the gate member 42 in the recess 40 (as explained below).

In the embodiment illustrated, the gate member 42 is longer than the width of the plate member 12 and marginally narrower than distance y between the tablet retaining portion 22 and the tablet discharging portion 24, to provide operating clearance and facilitating transverse (sliding) movement of the gate member in the recess 40. In use, the extent of back-and-forth sliding is delimited by the depending stop members 52, 54 abutting respective opposing sides 16 of the plate member 12, and thereby also defining first and second end positions to the back-and-forth sliding of the gate member 42 in recess 40. In this regard, in the first position the channels 50 are in longitudinal alignment with the channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22. In the second position the gate channels 50 are aligned with the (offset) discharge channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24.

As described above, feed channels 28 and discharge channels 34 are suitably laterally offset by distance x. Accordingly, the limit of each of back and forth travel of the gate member 42, as determined by the stop members 52, 54, is generally set in view of, and to be substantially equal to, the offset distance x.

Additionally, the proximal end 48 of the gate member 42 is provided with a plate member 56 integrally formed with the stop member 54. The plate member 56 is provided with an aperture 58 configured to receive a connecting pin 60. In this particular embodiment of a solid dose feeder 10, the purpose of the connecting pin 60 is to couple the gate member 42 with a driving means 62 to drive the gate member 42 in a reciprocal manner between the first position and the second position. Any suitable form of drive may be employed to translate the gate member 42 reciprocally between the first and second positions. For example, the driving means 62 may take the form of a solenoid or a pneumatic ram, or a mechanical cam on a rotating driveshaft, or mechanical gearing, or any other suitable driving means.

In the embodiment illustrated, the plate member 12 also includes a rigid elongate support member 64 outwardly extending from one of the opposing sides 16. The drive 62 may be fixed or coupled to the rigid elongate member 64 by any suitable fixing means or fasteners, as depicted in FIG. 1.

In use, when the gate member 42 is located in the first position, the gate channels 50 are positioned in longitudinal alignment with feed channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22, whereupon the in-use lowermost row of tablets disposed adjacent to the ends 32 of the feed channels 28 and the partition portion 26 falls (or slides) under gravity into the gate channels 50 of the gate member 42. The length of each channel is such that no more than a single tablet is received in a given gate channel 50.

The driving means 62 is controlled to cause the gate member 42 to translate (move) to the second position, whereby the gate channels 50 are substantially longitudinally aligned with the discharge channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24, whereupon the row of tablets located in the channels 50 falls (slides) under gravity into the discharge channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24, from where they continue to slide and are subsequently dispensed into receptacles. The receptacles may include correspondingly aligned pre-formed aligned receptacles of an underlying web (not shown).

As mentioned above, when the gate member 42 is in the first position, a single row of tablets at a time is permitted to be received in the channels 50 of gate member 42 from the tablet retaining portion 22. Transverse movement of the gate member 42 to the second position effectively “closes” the feed channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22, whilst “opening” the gate channels 50 to the discharge channels 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24, allowing the single row of tablets to be discharged from the tablet feeder 10. The next lowermost row of tablets in the tablet retaining portion 22 is inhibited from feeding into the gate member 42, since the gate channels do not align with the feed channels until the gate member 42 has been moved back to the first position, whereupon the cycle of loading and discharging a row of tablets may be repeated.

In use of the solid dose feeder 10, the feeder may form a component of a blister packaging system for solid dose or at least unitary dosage form pharmaceuticals. The blister packaging system may include the tablet feeder 10, a web of material with a plurality of pre-formed receptacles therein, a conveying system to convey the web of material past the tablet feeder 10 to receive the plurality of tablets in a row into the pre-formed row of receptacles, a closure film, and means to adhere the closure film to the filled pre-formed receptacles.

It should be noted that the sequence of discharge of a row of tablets from the tablet feeder 10 can be synchronised with the conveying system delivering the underlying web past the in use lower end 20 of the plate 12. The discharge may also be synchronised with periodic feeding of tablets into the tablet feeder 10 (i.e. at the in-use upper end 30 of each feed channel 28). This latter sequencing may also be controlled by e.g. the driving means 62 (e.g. via a mechanical coupling thereto).

Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the preceding description.

For example, in respect of tablets whose length to width aspect ratio is greater than one, the ends 32, 36 of respective channels 28, 34 may be chamfered or otherwise include respective cut-out portions 66, 68 as shown in FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9A to 9C. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 9C may be regarded as similar or identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 except that plate of this embodiment includes only a single channel on its surface 14, so that it may be regarded as a single channel feeder which, on its own, feeds only a single solid dose at a time, rather than a row of solid doses. If desired a plurality of feeders of the form illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9C could be used as modules mounted side to side, if desired with a single gate member passing through the recess portioning portion of each module, so as to provide similar functionality to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7. Because of the similarities between the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 9C, corresponding reference numerals are used to describe corresponding parts.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the gate member 42 is in its first position, so that the channel 50 of the gate member is in longitudinal alignment with the channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22. This allows a single tablet 70 to be received in the channel 50 of the gate member 42. The tablet 70 cannot exit from the channel 50 because its lower part abuts the shaped or cut-out portion 68 provided at the top of the discharge channel 34. The cut-out portion 68 thus acts as a stop, preventing egress of the tablet 70. (Although the cut-out portion 68 is shown convex in shape, any suitable configuration could be used, and a straight inclined edge, or bevel, has also been found to be effective.) The tablet 70 cannot rotate so as to tumble past the cut-out portion 68, because the channel 50 fits relatively closely about the tablet. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the next lowermost tablet 70A cannot enter the channel 50 because it is supported by the tablet 70. It will be noted that in this embodiment the channel 50 is shorter than the length of the tablet 70 so that the tablet 70 extends slightly upwardly of the gate member 42.

FIG. 9B illustrates the dose feeder with the gate member 42 moved to its second position. In this position the gate channel 50 is aligned with the (offset) discharge channel 34 of the tablet discharging portion 24, and the gate member 42 has pushed the tablet 70 from a position in which it is aligned with the feed channel 28 to a position in which it is aligned with the discharge channel 34. The tablet 70 is unobstructed by the lower wall of the feed channel 28 because cut-out portion 66 is provided to allow clearance. The cut-out portion 68 is sufficiently large to accommodate the upper portion of tablet 70, but not so large that it allows passage or rotation of the subsequent tablet 70A. Further, the gate member 42 has pushed the tablet 70 off the cut-out portion 68. The gate member 42 does not move so far (to the left, in FIG. 9B) that the tablet is entrapped against the cut-out portion 68 or the top of the discharge passage 34. Thus when the gate member 42 is moved to its second position, egress of the tablet from the gate channel 50 is no longer impeded and the tablet 70 is discharged, under gravity, from the gate channel 50 into the discharge channel 34.

FIG. 9C illustrates the dose feeder with the gate member 42 in its second position, after the tablet 70 has been discharged. Even after discharge of the tablet 70, while the gate member 42 is in its second position the next lowermost tablet 70A cannot enter the gate channel 50 because the gate channel 50 is not aligned with (i.e. is offset from) the feed channel 28. The next lowermost tablet 70A may thus be supported on an upper surface of the gate member 42, adjacent the channel 50. A slightly bevelled or shaped portion may be provided, if desired and/or necessary, to avoid damage to the next lowermost tablet 70A. The gate member 42 can then be returned to its first position (as illustrated in FIG. 9A, allowing the next lowermost tablet 70A to enter the gate channel 50, and assume the position of the tablet 70, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. The illustrated sequence can then be repeated as desired.

It should be appreciated that provided the dimensions of the feeder are appropriate for the tablets being dispensed, inadvertent discharge of more than one tablet is impossible or unlikely. Further, it should be appreciated that the gate member 42 need move only a fraction of the width of the tablets in order to move between its first and second positions, so movement of only a few millimetres is required. It should also be appreciated that the gate member 42 may be moved between its first and second positions, and back, two or more times per second, if desired.

It will be appreciated that the feeder of FIGS. 1 to 7 functions in a manner similar or identical to that described in relation to FIGS. 9A to 9C (except, of course, that multiple channels 28 of the tablet retaining portion 22, multiple discharge channels 34, and a suitably elongate gate member 42 with multiple channels 50, are provided).

Referring now to drawing FIGS. 10 to 13 there is shown another embodiment of a solid dose feeder in the form of a tablet feeder 110. The tablet feeder 110 includes a plate member 112, here in the form of a rectangular plate. An in-use upper surface 114 of plate 12 is bounded by opposing edges 116, an in-use upper edge portion 118 and an in-use lower edge portion 120. In the form as illustrated, the tablet feeder 110 also includes a cover plate 111 which may be fixed to the plate member 112 by a plurality of fasteners 113 as shown in the drawings. The cover plate 111 of the embodiment is opaque and, accordingly, surface features of the plate 112 are depicted in dashed outline in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13.

The plate member 112 has a tablet retaining portion 122, a tablet discharging portion 124 and a partitioning portion or gate array 126 disposed therebetween. The tablet retaining portion 122 is defined by the opposing edges 116 and the upper end portion 118 of the plate member 112. The tablet discharging portion 124 is disposed at an in-use lower end of the surface 114 of the plate 112. The partitioning portion 126 extends between the opposing sides 116 of the plate member 112 and is spaced from the lower edge portion 120. In use, the partitioning portion or gate 126 defines a discontinuity between the tablet retaining portion 122 and the tablet discharging portion 124 as will be described below.

The tablet retaining portion 122 is capable of retaining a plurality of tablets in a column. In this regard, the tablet retaining portion 122 comprises, a single feed channel 128 (which, in this embodiment, is generally circular in cross-section) having an in-use upper end 130 disposed at the upper end portion 118 of surface 114 of plate 112, and an opposing in-use lower end 132 located adjacent to the partitioning portion 126.

When the tablet retaining portion 122 is filled or partially filled with tablets, the channel 128 conforms the tablets into a column (not shown), wherein the lowermost tablet (not shown) is disposed adjacent to the end 132 of the feed channel 128 and the partitioning portion 126.

The width (or diameter) of the discharge channel 134 (which is generally to circular in cross-section in this embodiment) is substantially the same as the width of the feed channel 128 of the tablet retaining portion 122. In addition, the discharge channel 134 of the tablet discharging portion 124 is spaced apart from the feed channel 128 of the tablet retaining portion 122 by partitioning portion 126. However, the discharge channel 134 of the embodiment is laterally offset from (for example from is longitudinal alignment with) the feed channel 128 by a distance x. Distance x may be from about 10% to about 40% of the width of the channels 128, 134. This offset helps with the “gating” function of the partitioning portion 126.

The partitioning portion 126 defines a spatial discontinuity between the tablet retaining portion 122 and the tablet discharging portion 124 of the plate member 112, whereby the tablet retaining portion 122 is spaced from the tablet discharging portion 124 by a distance y. Distance y may be from about 50% up to 100% of the length or, depending on tablet orientation, height of the tablet. The partitioning portion 126 includes a recess 140 extending transversely between opposing sides 116 thereof.

The partitioning portion 126 includes a gate member 142, and the recess 140 is configured to receive the gate member 142. The gate member 142 is therefore disposed between the tablet retaining portion 122 and the tablet discharging portion 124. The tablet discharging portion of the present embodiment takes the form of an end plate 125 which is retained to the plate member 112 by fasteners 123, thereby defining the recess 140. In use the gate member 142 is laterally reciprocally slidable in the recess 140 and relative to the surface 114 of plate 112.

The gate member 142 has a distal end 146 and a proximal end 148. The gate member 142 further has an aperture defining a gate channel 150 (which, in this embodiment, is generally circular in cross-section) therein (see FIGS. 10 to 12 in which the gate channel is illustrated as being aligned with the discharge channel).

The gate member includes elongate slots 154 which, in cooperation with the end plate fasteners 123 which pass through the elongate slots, provide in-use stop members. The stop member function of the plate fasteners 123 delimits the extent of lateral back-and-forth sliding of the gate member 142 in the recess 140.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the retaining portion 122 may further include a plurality of adjacent feed channels, and a gate member with a corresponding plurality of gate channels, the length of the gate channels each sized to accommodate a single tablet, such that a single row of tablets can be accommodated in the adjacent gate channels and retained in the gate channels while the gate member is in its first position. As in the first embodiment described above, a single row of tablets located in the plurality of adjacent gate channels can be discharged into discharge channels of the tablet discharging portion, by movement of the gate member to its second (discharging) position. The tablets can then be fed into receptacles with the aid of gravity, vibration, or by any other suitable means.

As described above in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 9C, when the gate member 142 is in a first position (not shown), a single tablet at a time is received in the channel 150 of gate member 142 from the channel 128 in tablet retaining portion 122. Transverse movement of the gate member 142 to a second position effectively “closes” the feed channel 128 of the tablet retaining portion 122 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Then “opening” the gate channel 150 to the discharge channel 134 of the tablet discharging portion 124, allowing a single tablet to be discharged from the tablet feeder 110. The next lowermost tablet in the feed channel 128 of the retaining portion 122 cannot feed into the gate member 142 until the gate member 142 has returned to the first position, whereupon the cycle of loading and discharging a tablet may be repeated. In this embodiment, suited for use with circular tablets, no cut-out portion at the top of the discharge channel 134 is required, since when the gate member 142 is in its first position a circular tablet is prevented from exiting the gate channel 150 by an in-use upper surface of the end plate 125. A cut-out portion 166 at the bottom of the feed channel 128 is provided, and is generally equivalent in function to the cut-out portion 66 in FIGS. 9A to 9C.

With respect to solid dosage forms with a length to width aspect ratio less than 1, such as biconical or quasi-spherical forms, the diameter of the channel 128 may be sized to be marginally greater than the diameter of the dose in order to provide adequate clearance. In this way the size of the channel 128 can allow the dosage forms to take up a sequential order with, for example, a ‘face-to-face’ arrangement.

A solid dose feeder 210 in accordance with a still further embodiment of the disclosure is depicted in FIGS. 14 to 18. Since the general arrangement of this solid dose feeder 210 similar to those described above, with the exception of gate member 242, the solid dose feeder will be described in the level of detail necessary to reach an understanding of the structure and operation of the gate member 242.

In contrast to the foregoing embodiments, which involve movement by way of lateral translation of gate channels across a surface of plate 212, the present gate member 242 includes a rod portion 244 which is rotated. The gate member 242 is journalled in a recess 240 in plate member 212. The recess 240 takes the form of a cylindrical bore in order that the rod portion 244 of the gate member 242 can be freely rotated about its longitudinal axis when inserted into the plate 212. The recess 240 comprises a discontinuity between a feed channel 228 and a discharge channel 234 formed in plate 212. A gate channel 250 between the feed and discharge channels takes the form of a passage provided in the rod portion 244 of the gate member 242 transverse to the axis thereof. The provision of the recess 240 results in an in use lower arcuate ledge 268 being formed in the walls of the discontinuity on a boundary with discharge channel 234. When the rod portion 244 is in a first rotational position, as illustrated in FIG. 17A the ledge 268 is exposed and partially occludes a bottom of the gate channel 250, so that a lowermost solid dosage form (not shown) is received and retained in the gate channel 250 supported at least partially on the ledge 268.

The gate member 242 includes an actuating arm 258 at a proximal end 248 of the rod portion 244 and a bearing at a distal end 246. The actuating arm 258 may be coupled to a drive for rotating the rod portion 244 through a desired angle between the first rotational position and a second rotational position. Each time the rod portion 244 (see FIG. 17) is rotated in use by the drive (not shown) from the first rotational position to the second rotational position and back a single solid dosage form, such as a tablet, will be dispensed by the solid dose feeder 210 of the present embodiment.

When the gate member 242 is in the “closed” first position as shown in FIG. 17A, a single tablet at a time is received in the channel 250 of gate member 242. As a consequence of the length of the gate channel 250, which in this embodiment corresponds to the diameter of the rod portion 244, the next lowermost tablet is supported by the tablet in the gate channel 250, and therefore the next lowermost tablet cannot enter the gate channel 250. The rod portion suitably has a diameter marginally greater than the size of the tablets to be dispensed, in order to facilitate single dose dispensing. Rotational movement of the gate member 242 to a second position, as shown in FIG. 17B effectively “opens” or aligns the gate channel 250 to the discharge channel 234 allowing the tablet to be discharged from the gate channel 250. Simultaneously, as the gate member 242 is rotated to the second position, a top surface 269 of the gate member partially occludes the bottom of the feed channel 228, preventing entry of the next lowest tablet into the gate channel 250. When the gate member 242 is rotated back to the first position, the top surface 269 of the gate member clears the bottom of the feed channel 228, allowing the next tablet to enter the gate channel 250 where it is retained, by the ledge 268 (until the gate member 242 is again rotated to the second position.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described in relation to and depicted in each of FIGS. 10 to 13 and FIGS. 14 to 18, respectively, may be modified (if required) such that each dosage feeder includes a plurality of feed channels, whether the plurality of feed channels be laterally aligned in a 2 dimensional row or arrayed in a 3 dimensional matrix of channels. When dosage feeder includes a row of feed channels, a single gate member, corresponding to gate member 242 but including a respective gate channel for each respective feed channel and which extends though each feed channel, may be used.

In a further example, the solid dose feeder of the disclosure may be adapted to handle other unitary dosage forms such as vials or ampoules.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible.

For example, in the described embodiments a tablet enters a gate channel when the gate is in a first position and is retained in the gate channel until the gate member moves away from the first position by a part of the feeder which is, in use, below at least a part of the gate channel and which supports the tablet preventing discharge of the tablet from the gate channel. The tablet in the gate channel prevents the next tablet in the feed channel from entering the gate channel. When the gate member is in a second position the tablet in the gate channel is discharged from the gate channel, but the next tablet can still not enter the gate channel (until the gate member moves back to the first position) because the gate member is shaped to at least partially occlude the opening of the feed channel when the gate member is not substantially in the first position so that entry of a tablet from the feed channel into the gate channel is prevented. In other words, in such embodiments, the gate member (e.g. gate member 242) at least partially defines a gating space at least partially therein, the gating space presently comprising a channel (e.g. channel 250), the gate member being moveable between a loading position wherein the gate member is positioned to receive a single solid dose from the solid dose retaining portion into the gating space, and a discharging position wherein the gate member is positioned to discharge a single solid dose from the gating space into the discharging portion.

In an alternative embodiment a feeder may be arranged so that when the gate member is in a first position a tablet may enter the gate channel from the feed channel, but may also be discharged from the gate channel into a discharge channel. In such an embodiment the length of time that the gate member remains in the first position can be selected so that only one tablet can enter the gate channel before the gate member moves from the first position (for example into, or at least towards, a second position) so as to at least partially occlude the opening of the feed channel, and prevent entry of the next tablet in the feed channel into the gate channel. In such an embodiment the discharge channel may be substantially aligned with the feed channel. In such an embodiment the gate member could only remain in the first position for a pre-determined time in each cycle prior to “re-closing”, otherwise more than one tablet would be discharged from the tablet feeder. However, the time between discharge of tablets could be selected, as desired, by selecting the length of time for which the gate member remains out of the first position.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, that is, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein. 

1. A solid dose feeder comprising: a plate member surface having a solid dose retaining portion capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses in an array of rows; a solid dose discharging portion spaced apart from the solid dose retaining portion and configured, in use, to dispense a row of solid doses into a plurality of receptacles; and a gate disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion, the gate being provided with a plurality of gate channels therein and being moveable between a loading position wherein the gate is positioned to receive a row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion into the gate channels and a discharging position wherein the gate is positioned to discharge the received row of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion.
 2. The solid dose feeder according to claim 1, wherein the solid dose retaining portion comprises a plurality of adjacent feed channels.
 3. The solid dose feeder according to claim 2, wherein the feed channels are regularly spaced in parallel alignment across the surface.
 4. The solid dose feeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid dose discharging portion comprises a plurality of adjacent discharge channels.
 5. The solid dose feeder according to claim 4, wherein the discharge channels are regularly spaced in parallel alignment across the surface.
 6. The solid dose feeder according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the width of the feed and discharge channels is substantially the same.
 7. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the discharge channels are offset from longitudinal alignment with the feed channels.
 8. The solid dose feeder according to claim 7, wherein the discharge channels are offset by a distance from about 10% to about 40% of discharge channel width.
 9. The solid dose feeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface forms part of a plate, with the plate comprising a recess that extends transversely across the plate, the recess being located to separate the solid dose retaining portion from the solid dose discharging portion.
 10. The solid dose feeder according to claim 9, wherein the recess is arranged to receive therein the gate in a manner whereby the gate is able to be moved transversely across the plate.
 11. The solid dose feed according to claim 9, wherein the recess is arranged to receive therein the gate in a manner whereby the gate is able to be moved rotationally within the plate.
 12. The solid dose feeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gate is elongate and comprises a plurality of adjacent gate channels that are regularly spaced therealong and in parallel alignment.
 13. The solid dose feeder according to claim 12, wherein the width of the gate channels is substantially the same as the width of the feed and discharge channels.
 14. The solid dose feeder according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the length of the gate channels is from about 50% to 100% of the length of the solid dose.
 15. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the gate comprises stop structures that define opposing limits of movement of the gate within the recess.
 16. The solid dose feeder according to claim 15 wherein the stop structures are stop members configured to abut respective opposing sides of the plate.
 17. The solid dose feeder according to claim 15 wherein the stop structures are slots configured to abut fasteners provided to fix the discharging portion to the plate.
 18. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein a first limit of movement of the gate within the recess corresponds to a loading position in which a row of solid doses in the feed channels can pass into the gate channels, and wherein a second limit of movement of the gate within the recess corresponds to a discharging position in which a row of solid doses in the gate channels can pass into the discharge channels.
 19. The solid dose feeder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, the gate is configured for coupling to a drive which is arranged to act on the gate and cause it to reciprocate with respect to the surface whilst it is disposed between the solid dose retaining and discharging portions.
 20. The solid dose feeder according to claim 19, wherein the drive comprises a solenoid or a pneumatic ram.
 21. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 4 to 20, wherein respective adjacent ends of the feed and discharge channels include a cut-out portion.
 22. The solid dose feeder of any preceding claim further comprising a channel discontinuity device adapted to selectively render at least one feed channel discontinuous such that, in use, dispensing of at least one solid dose from the at least one feed channel is controlled.
 23. The solid dose feeder of claim 22 wherein the channel discontinuity device provides one or more of temporal control of solid dosage form dispensing, size control of solid dosage forms dispensed, location control of a location of solid dose dispensing, and/or a predetermined spatial configuration control in which the solid doses are dispensed.
 24. A solid dose feeder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures.
 25. A blister packaging system for solid dose pharmaceuticals comprising a solid dose feeder in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
 26. The blister packaging system of claim 25 wherein the system further includes a web conveyor operating in concert with the solid dose feeder, whereby the doses are discharged into receptacles in a web of packaging material.
 27. A method of operating the solid dose feeder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising: arranging the gate in a first position wherein at least one solid dose in the solid dose retaining portion is able to be disposed with respect to the gate; moving the gate from the first to a second position wherein the at least one solid dose is able to be disposed with respect to the solid dose discharging portion for discharge from the solid dose feeder.
 28. A method of operating a solid dose feeder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures.
 29. A solid dose feeder comprising: a solid dose retaining portion capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses; a solid dose discharging portion; and a gate member disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion, the gate member at least partially defining a gating space at least partially therein, the gate member being moveable between a loading position wherein the gate member is positioned to receive a single solid dose from the solid dose retaining portion into the gating space, and a discharging position wherein the gate member is positioned to discharge a single solid dose from the gating space into the solid dose discharging portion; wherein the gating space is dimensioned and arranged relative to the solid dose retaining portion such that when the gate member is in the loading position with a single solid dose in the gating space, said single solid dose in the gating space prevents entry of any further solid dose into the gating space; and wherein when the gate member is in the discharging position the gating space is positioned to prevent receipt of a solid dose by the gate member from the solid dose retaining portion.
 30. The solid dose feeder according to claim 29 wherein the solid dose retaining portion comprises a feed channel.
 31. The solid dose feeder according to claim 30 wherein the solid dose discharging portion comprises a discharge channel.
 32. The solid dose feeder according to claim 31 wherein the width of the feed and discharge channels is substantially the same.
 33. The solid dose feeder according to either of claim 31 or 32 wherein the discharge channel is offset from longitudinal alignment with the feed channel.
 34. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the gate member is disposed in a gate member space provided between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion.
 35. The solid dose feeder according to any claims 29 to 34 wherein the gate member is rotatable between the loading position and the discharging position.
 36. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 34 wherein the gate member is moveable linearly between the loading position and the discharging position.
 37. The solid dose feeder according to claim 36 wherein the gate member is moveable so as to reciprocate between the loading position and the discharging position.
 38. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 37 wherein the gating space comprises a gate channel provided in the gate member.
 39. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 38 wherein when the gate member is in the loading position with a single solid dose in the gating space, said single solid dose in the gating space extends beyond the gate member in the direction of the solid dose retaining portion.
 40. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 39 wherein the solid dose feeder comprises a stop portion to prevent a solid dose exiting the gating space when the gate member is in the loading position.
 41. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 40 wherein the gate member is provided with one or more stop members which define opposing limits of movement of the gate member.
 42. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 41 wherein the gate member is configured for coupling to a drive and to be driven by the drive to move between the loading position and the discharging position.
 43. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 42 wherein the solid dose feeder comprises a plurality of gating spaces arranged so that a single solid dose can be received from each of a plurality of feed channels provided in the solid dose retaining portion, and the solid doses then discharged into respective discharging channels in the solid dose discharging portion.
 44. The solid dose feeder according to claim 43 wherein a single gate member at least partially defines a plurality of gating spaces at least partially therein.
 45. The solid dose feeder according to claim 44 wherein said single gate member is adapted to receive a plurality of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion by receiving a single solid dose from each feed channel.
 46. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the gate member is adapted to discharge the received plurality of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion, when the gate member is in the discharging position, by discharging a single solid dose into each of a plurality of discharge channels provided in the solid dose discharging portion.
 47. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 46 wherein there is provided a plurality of gate members each associated with a feed channel or a group of feed channels.
 48. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 47 wherein the solid dose feeder comprises a plate member and one or more gate members configured, in use, to dispense an array of solid dosage forms into a corresponding matrix of receptacles.
 49. The solid dose feeder according to any one of claims 29 to 48 wherein the solid dose feeder includes a plurality of plate members and an associated plurality of gate members configured, in use, to dispense an array of solid dosage forms into a corresponding matrix of receptacles.
 50. A solid dose feeder comprising a channel discontinuity device adapted to selectively render at least one feed channel discontinuous such that, in use, dispensing of at least one solid dose from the at least one feed channel is controlled.
 51. The solid dose feeder according to claim 50 wherein the channel discontinuity device provides one or more of temporal control of solid dose dispensing, size control of solid dose dispensed, location control of a location of solid dose dispensing, and/or a predetermined spatial configuration control in which solid doses are dispensed.
 52. A blister packaging system for solid dose pharmaceuticals comprising a solid dose feeder in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 26 or 29 to
 51. 53. The blister packaging system according to claim 52 wherein the system further comprises a web conveyor system operating in concert with the solid dose feeder, whereby the doses are discharged into receptacles in a web of packaging material.
 54. A method of operating a solid dose feeder in accordance with one or more of claims 29 to 51, the operating method comprising: arranging the gate member in a first position wherein at least one solid dose in the solid dose retaining portion is able to be disposed with respect to the gate member; and moving the gate member from the first to the second position wherein the at least one solid dose is able to be disposed with respect to the solid dose discharging portion for discharge from the solid dose feeder.
 55. The method of operating a solid dose feeder according to claim 54 wherein there is provided a precedent step of providing an elongate gate member which includes a plurality of adjacent gate channels, regularly spaced along the gate in substantially parallel alignment.
 56. A method of feeding solid doses into receptacles comprising: (a) arranging a plurality of solid doses in a single file line of solid doses; (b) separating a solid dose from the single file line of solid doses by receiving said one solid dose in a gate channel provided in a gate member while preventing receipt of any further solid doses of the single file line into said gate channel; (c) allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel; (d) guiding the solid dose into a receptacle; and (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) to feed subsequent solid doses into subsequent receptacles.
 57. A method of feeding solid doses into receptacles in accordance with claim 56 wherein the step of allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel comprises allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel while preventing receipt of any further solid doses of the single file line into said gate channel;
 58. A method of feeding solid doses into receptacles in accordance with claim 56 wherein the step of allowing the solid dose to exit the gate channel comprises moving the gate member to allow the solid dose to exit the gate channel into a discharge channel of a solid dose feeder.
 59. A solid dose feeder comprising: a plate member surface having a solid dose retaining portion capable of retaining a plurality of solid doses in an array of rows and a solid dose discharging portion spaced apart from the solid dose retaining portion and configured, in use, to dispense a row of solid doses into a plurality of receptacles; and a gate disposed between the solid dose retaining portion and the solid dose discharging portion, the gate being moveable between a loading position wherein the gate is positioned to receive a row of solid doses from the solid dose retaining portion and a discharging position wherein the gate is positioned to discharge the received row of solid doses into the solid dose discharging portion. 